ISOLATED SPINA VENTOSA - A RARE ENTITY

Tuberculosis of short tubular bones like phalanges, metacarpals, and metatarsals is known as tuberculous dactylitis, which is also known as Spina ventosa due to the characteristic cystic expansion of short bones observed on radiographic picture. Here we report a case of 1.5 years old male child presenting with chief complaint of swelling on medial side of right foot along with history of frequent fall. There was no other relevant history except that mother was on anti-tubercular drugs since last 2 months. Neurological examination was found to be normal. Mantoux was positive. Xray of right foot revealed cystic expansion of first metatarsal. CT-Scan confirmed it as a case of spina ventosa. Child was treated with Anti-tubercular drugs. Spina ventosa follows a benign course without pyrexia or acute inflammatory sign, commonly involves upper limb, preferentially affecting bones distal to tarsus and wrist. Isolated spina ventosa without primary foci is very rare. In the present case, however, the 1st metatarsal was affected without presence of any primary foci. We present this case because of its rarity.